Peterson says decision to play was made the day after surgery

Posted by Mike Florio on September 9, 2012, 5:05 PM EDT

Reuters

With all the talk about whether or not Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would play on the first Sunday of the 2012 regular season, the real question is when the decision finally was made that he would go.

Friday? Saturday? Sunday?

Peterson told PFT after the game that the decision was made — by him — the day after he had surgery in December to repair the torn ACL and MCL.

It was Peterson’s determination that not only got him ready to play but also to contribute. He said that, as the game went on, the knee loosened up. And while he said coach Leslie Frazier was the hardest person to persuade as Peterson tried to get a meaningful role in his first game back, Peterson explained that, after the first couple of carries he felt good and starting aggressively seeking out more reps.

Peterson got more, 17 in all. And he added a 10-yard run and a 20-yard run in overtime, which gave the Vikings a go-ahead field goal.

Peterson knew that the new rule gave the Jaguars another chance. But not everyone did; Peterson said Percy Harvin thought the game was over as the ball sailed through the uprights on a 38-yard kick from rookie Blair Walsh.

He is definately a beast. This coming from a Jags fan. Great game guys! Never been so up and so down in such a short period of time. Ponder is looking good, too! Way to represent my ‘Noles, too bad against my Jags. Oh well, that game was a classic!

Don’t feel bad, Percy. Everyone in the stadium thought the game was over after the field goal. It was hilarious watching the fans start leaving twice (when the Jaguars scored with 20 seconds left and after the field goal in OT) only to come running back in to their seats when they realized the game wasn’t over.

Udfrogmanvet, it was a roller coaster ride, mjd and gabbert both played very well. Nice to see two young offenses play well (that is… The Vikings Offense played well in 2nd half). Fun game, enjoy the rest of the season

schrutebeetfarms says:
Sep 10, 2012 1:16 PM
Peterson did look good, but for Viking fans it should be kept in mind that one of the worst teams in the NFL took you to overtime. Enjoy the win, but don’t get too ahead of yourselves.

Fair point, however, don’t sleep on the Jags. They’re young with a physical D, MJD, and some developing talent. I think both of these teams are gonna do better than expected. This is coming from a Vikes fan.

Peterson is still overrated. That’ll be the only game they win all season. Too bad they can’t move to LA where they belong & ticket sales won’t be an issue. Packers could have also gotten Minneapolis back which is rightfully theirs.